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He left early that day, slipping out of the solace of the temple to prepare himself for the journey to come. Master Indara was waiting by the ship along with Jedi Masters Kelnacca and Sol, whom were to accompany them on their mission.

While they prepared to leave, he approached his master, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Master," he said, "What exactly is our mission? How long will we be gone?"

Master Indara all but shrugged him off, once again putting her belief in his teachings. "Patience, Padawan. All will be revealed in due time. Trust in the Force and in the journey itself."

He sighed, knowing not to expect much from his master other than to have faith that she would inform him when they arrived wherever it was they were going. Still, he was unsatisfied with her vague response and so, Torbin turned to Master Sol, who was making final checks on the ship's systems. "Master Sol, do you know what our mission entails?"

Sol glanced at him, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, young Torbin, always eager for adventure. We're headed to the planet Brendok to investigate and survey the area. It's not as thrilling as battle or finding your way out of a treacherous cave, but it's important work."

Torbin's heart panged at the nod to his past experience but even so his curiosity deepened. "Surveying the planet? For what purpose?"

Sol chuckled, clapping a hand on Torbin's shoulder. "The Council wants to ensure that Brendok is stable now that life there has returned. We will take samples, test the wildlife, and try to understand how Brendok has come to thrive again. It may sound mundane, but there is much to learn, even in the quietest corners of the galaxy."

Torbin sighed. Plants, he thought. We're travelling to the other side of the galaxy to examine plants.

As they boarded the ship and prepared for departure, he couldn't help but look back at the temple. The memory of Kandra's touch lingered in his mind, the way her lips felt when they pressed to his. It was both a source of strength and despair. No matter what lay ahead on Brendok, he would do his duty and, with any luck, return home before long.

With the ship's engines humming to life, they lifted off from Coruscant, the sprawling city-planet quickly fading into the distance. If only he knew what was to come—the challenges he was going to face. If only he could have done things differently and prevented the inevitable.

The journey to Brendok was marked by a sense of unease that Torbin couldn't shake. Even the familiar hum of the ship's engines and the gentle sway of hyperspace travel did little to settle his nerves. He found himself lost in thoughts of Kandra, the mission, and a nagging feeling that something wasn't right.

While the ship soared through the vast expanse of space, young Torbin was plagued with a restless sleep. As he lay in his bunk, he tossed and turned as his mind swam in the darkest corners of his dreams. Each image was vague and disjointed, appearing to him in a haze and leaving him with a lingering feeling of dread. He was drenched in sweat by the time he finally woke, but the details of his dream had already slipped away like water through his fingers.

Determined to clear his mind, he retreated into a more secluded part of the ship where he sat, crossed his legs and closed his eyes to open himself up for his meditation. He reached out with his mind, seeking the calm and clarity that had eluded him, hoping for solace in the vast expanse of the ever present guidance of the Force.

After some time, he sensed a familiar presence nearby. Opening his eyes, he saw Master Indara standing in the doorway, concern carved into her features.

She stepped inside, approaching her padawan as he rose to his feet. "You were restless in your sleep. Tell me, padawan, what is wrong?"

Torbin sighed, he did not want to show weakness in front of his master but he knew better than to think he could hide things such as these from her. "I had a dream, but I can't remember what it was about. Something felt wrong... but I just needed to clear my head. Meditating has helped."

Master Indara studied him for a moment, her gaze piercing yet gentle. "The Force often speaks to us in ways we don't yet understand. Trust in it, and trust in yourself. Whatever it was, you will find clarity in time."

Torbin took a deep breath, grateful for her words. "Thank you, Master. I will."

She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Rest when you can. You'll need your strength for the mission."

He nodded, feeling a bit lighter knowing he had his master's faith. As she left him to his thoughts, he resumed his meditation, letting the Force flow through him. The unease lingered, but he felt more prepared to face whatever awaited them on Brendok. Whether it just be plants, or something more.

As the ship hurtled through the vastness of space, Torbin tried to focus on the mission ahead but the sense of unease from his dream clung to him. Just as he began to settle back into a routine, a shudder ran through the ship. Lights flickered, and the the engines faltered.

"What's happening?" His eyes flickered around in concern as he muttered to himself, feeling the disturbance ripple through the Force.

His seniors were quick to gather in the control room where they pulled up consoles to look for and rectify the fault. The young padawan's anxiety deepened as he sensed something more. Something was truly amiss, as though the Force was telling him not to go to Brendok.

"This could be an omen, Master," Torbin announced as he too entered the control room. "Perhaps we should return home."

Indara, ever the calm centre of their group, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Calm yourself, Padawan. I'm sure this is nothing to worry about."

Despite her reassuring words, Torbin still couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. 

She checked over the consoles once again before glancing at Master Sol. "Sol, take Torbin and check the systems. See if you can identify the problem."

Master Sol nodded, motioning for Torbin to follow. Together, they made their way to the ship's engine room. The still flickering lights and the erratic trill of the machinery only served to heighten Torbin's unease.

"I can't shake this feeling, Master," Torbin explained as he checked the systems on his side of the room. "It's like the Force is warning me of something."

Sol paused, looking at the young padawan with a sympathetic smile. "The Force often challenges us in unexpected ways, Torbin. But remember, it also guides us. Trust in your training and in your abilities."

"But what if something really is wrong?" Torbin pressed, his voice betraying his emotions.

Sol tightened a loose panel and straightened up to place a reassuring hand on Torbin's shoulder. "It's natural to be worried, but don't let your fears control you. Focus on the task at hand."

Taking a deep breath, Torbin nodded and redoubled his efforts. They worked together to stabilise the ship's systems, picking apart everything they needed until they clocked what was wrong. Using their combined skills, they were able to bring order back to the malfunctioning machinery. Despite the constant, gnawing worry in the back of his mind, the young padawan was able to rebalance himself and quell his worries. For now, at least.

With the ship stabilised, they returned to the control room where Indara awaited them. "Everything should be back to normal," Sol reported. "It was just a minor malfunction."

Indara nodded, her calm gaze settling on Torbin. "See, Padawan? Sometimes, the Force tests our resolve. You did well."

Torbin managed a small smile, though the unease still lingered. He hoped Master Indara and Sol were right, that this was just a minor setback. For now, he would focus on the mission and trust in the Force, even if his heart remained heavy with doubt.

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